Frinton & Walton Neighbourhood Action Panel

(NAP)

The Frinton Residents’ Association have two representatives on the local Neighbourhood Action Panel, a government/police initiative which held its inaugural meeting on 17 July 2007 and its first public meeting on 12 September 2007. The NAP consists of representatives from local groups and aims to respond quickly to local issues, particularly crime and anti-social behaviour. The Panel meets five times a year and holds two public meetings annually.

Matters discussed have included:

- motor-cycling in fields

- speeding

- traffic congestion outside schools

- location of PCs and PCSOs

- information regarding a mobile police station

- anti-social behaviour reporting line

- youth shelters

- facilities for youths

As a result of efforts made by NAP and the Frinton Rotary Club, National Lottery funding was acquired and used to hold a Youth Action Day on 13 September 2008 at the Tendring Technology College, Rochford Way, Frinton. This was a major initiative led by PC Rob Diss, with assistance from a number of other organisations. Various clubs and societies manned their own stalls at the venue, showcasing activities (both cultural and sporting) available in the Tendring area, and some provided interactive equipment enabling youths to become involved. Also during the day, a wide range of displays and demonstrations took place, and local Youth Workers were available to point out accessible options.

The aim of the event was for the benefit of youth people, ie to provide details of worthwhile skills and pastimes that could spark their interest and possibly result in them partaking in activities that they wished to continue with throughout their adult lives. Local Youth Workers actively encouraged young people to join in as much as possible and were on hand to identify any barriers to participation.

Over 2,500 young people and their parents attended the day, and it is hoped that other members of the community will benefit in both the long and short term due to a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

The feedback was encouraging and following on from the success of this event, it is hoped that further Youth Days will be arranged in the future.